Serendipity Found :: JOYFOLIE

The web was a buzz around 9pm central time on Thursday night. Why, you ask? Jessica Haley's products from Joyfolie (formerly known as Mia Joie) were uploaded to her website and if you blinked, you missed out - they were gone faster than they arrived. I found Jessica's goodies via Etsy a few years back when shopping for unique things for my little girl. Here are some of my current favorites to show you exactly why I am such a fan of Jessica and her creations.

(Blithe Ruffled Jacket and McKenna Boots - really really really loving this little red cord jacket - it comes in brown too)

(Houndstooth Boots - the boots with that yellow coat make me grin)

(Joice Shoes - look at the detail in these!)

(Gabi Shoes - had to list these because of the awesome name)

Jessica's products are impeccable and she puts so much love into the handmade creation and design of each of her pieces. They do not disappoint! I'm sad that my itty-bitty is growing so fast and will no longer fit into the sizing Joyfolie offers. Currently, she offers the most adorable boots and shoes for children (c'mon, peep toes for babies?!? what's cuter than that!) up to size 8 and clothing up to size 3T. Jessica did mention that a women's line of clothing would debut sometime in August 2010. I'll be anxiously waiting to see those goods! Joyfolie also has gorgeous accessories such as pins, headbands, shoe accessories, barrettes and belts. Please take some time to explore the unique and beautiful items of JOYFOLIE and read more about Jessica and her inspirational and blossoming company.

WEBSITE :: ETSY :: BLOG

I LOVE how Jessica shares this thought with us:
"Since its inception, Joyfolie has led me to believe that extraordinary things are possible if we are willing to trust in God’s plan for our lives and step forward in the pursuit of our dreams. I hope the story of Joyfolie inspires you as you pursue your own strengths and the aspirations of your private heart."

Be inspired. Follow your heart. Trust God.
Thanks Jessica!

::::: PS Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY here :::::
:: ends next Wed 5/19 at 11:59 pm CST ::

(Images courtesy of Joyfolie)

Open Heart Parenting

As a parent, you often wish there are published books telling you how you should parent and what you should do. Recently, I stumbled upon a book that was getting a lot of buzz. I ordered it, started reading it and am very pleased with it to date. Upon mentioning it to my sister, she told me about a poem she had heard a ways back and gave me the author's name and the poem title. I found it online and immediately felt inner peace. Serious inner peace...like I haven't felt in a very long time. Please read the poem below by Kahlil Gibran.
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On Children
Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

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I now know my "true" purpose as a parent and welcome God's plan willingly. I will do my best to guide and nuture my child instilling a foundation of God's teachings, being a good role model and example, but allowing them to become exactly what God has intended them to be or do. This is an awesome message to parents, but you must have an open mind and open heart to embrace it. It's not an easy path, but trust in God - He does not lead you astray.

The book I have started reading that mirrors this mindset is Loving Our Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk. You can buy it here on Amazon if you are interested. I suggest if you must get ONE book on parenting, that this be the book - it's full of amazing information of how to teach your children to manage their freedom and choices all the while developing a respectful and trusting relationship with them. My daughter is only 3 years old, however, I would like to see if I can't implement some of these principles to instill in her the independence of making good choices for years to come.

What are some of your favorite parenting words of wisdom?

(Image courtesy of Amazon.com)

NEW Papier Mache Issue Ready to Read

Let your mouse do the walking and enjoy the new issue of Papier Mache online. Beautiful photography and fabulous products in this issue. Enjoy it on a break or after the kids are down for bed. Subscribe for free here and get notifications direct to your inbox of their newest issues available.